whistle

whistle [hwis′əl, wis′əl]

vi.

whistled, whistling [ME whistlen < OE hwistlian: for IE base see WHISPER]

1.

a) to make a clear, shrill sound or note, or a series of these, by forcing breath between the teeth or through a narrow opening made by puckering the lips

b) to make a similar sound by sending steam through a small opening

2. to make a clear, shrill cry: said of some birds and animals

3. to move, pass, go, etc. with a high, shrill sound, as the wind

4.

a) to blow a whistle

b) to have its whistle blown [the train whistled]

vt.

1. to produce (a tune, etc.) by whistling

2. to summon, signal, direct, etc. by whistling

n.

1. an instrument for making whistling sounds, as by forcing the breath or steam through a slit into a cavity or against a thin edge

2. a clear, shrill sound made by whistling or blowing a whistle

3. the act of whistling

4. a signal, summons, etc. made by whistling

5. a whistling sound, as of the wind

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blow the whistle on or blow the whistle Slang

1. to report or inform (on)

2. to cause to stop; call a halt (to)

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wet one's whistle

Slang to take a drink

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whistle for

to seek, expect, or demand but fail to get

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☆ whistle in the dark

to pretend to be confident when faced with danger or defeat

whistleable

adj.